Jim Marshall, the Founder of Marshall Amplification and someone whose amplifier designs helped to shape the sound of rock, died in April at the age of 88, the Associated Press reported. According to Terry Marshall, his son, he died in a hospice in England after a battle with cancer and several debilitating strokes. Jim Marshall was renowned throughout the music industry for the company he founded, which produced the amplifiers that powered arenas and music halls after their introduction more than five decades ago. Photos from that era show many of rock’s most legendary guitarists—including Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend, Jimmy Page and others—performing in front of stacks of the English-made amps. These icons were drawn to the rough, loud sound produced by Marshall amplifiers.

A number of industry luminaries reached out to The Retailer to share their thoughts and reflections. Korg USA President Joe Castronovo remarked, “Jim was a musical innovator for 50 years, building a business and reputation that was highly respected by our industry. Although he will be greatly missed and the music world will never be the same, Jim’s countless contributions to the ‘Sound of Rock’ will continue to influence generations to come.”

Cliff Cooper, Founder and CEO of Orange Amplification, said, “It is with great sadness [we] learn of the passing of Jim. He was, without doubt, one of the greatest pioneers of all time in the development and marketing of music amplification. On behalf of myself and everyone at Orange, we offer our sincerest condolences to Jim’s family.”